I think I remember the palm you're talking about. How about a fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus)? All the pictures I've seen of them in bloom in the spring have been gorgeous! Plus, they don't get taller then 20 feet, are native, fragrant, and drought tolerant.

Another possibility is the Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus). It blooms in the summer with long spikes of purple flowers that kind of look like butterfly bush flowers. They're drought tolerant, easy to grow, and attract hummingbirds.

http://www.floridata.com/ref/v/vitex_a.cfm

Here is a link that might be useful: fringe tree

The fringe tree is an excellent suggestion. I'll consider that. Thanks!

What about the sterile version of the purple orchid tree Bauhinia variegata? How do I know if I've found a sterile variety? Wait until it starts dropping pods all over the garden and then know I got the wrong one?

Are there any trees that do well in zone 9 that have red, purple or copper colored leaves?

Kate, just so you know, jackarandas can get HUGE. They tower all over Tampa and are visible driving along I-4. I don't know if there are any smaller varieties, but I do know the common one can be a big tree. Fringe tree would be nice, for sure, and I love the idea of a chaste tree. Can't think of anything with purple or red foliage right off the bat, but will keep pondering. Maybe someone else has a good idea for you.

Marcia

Kate,

Definitely not Jacaranda. They get huge, will lift concrete, and are deciduous, which can get messy.

Your last post made me think of Bottlebrush, which does sometimes have a bronze tint to the leaves.
It is also drought tolerant, pest and disease resistant, not too tall (20-25 feet), with a huge Springtime floral display.

Good luck on your search!

Here is a link that might be useful: Weeping Bottlebrush Tree

The Hong Kong orchid is the sterile one. A good nursery wouldn't sell you one that wasn't as labeled.

As has been said Jacarandas get big - about 50' tall and just as wide and they have roots that can interfere with mowing and lift sidewalks. However, when I was researching it I saw many pics (Google Images) of them in patios, etc. so maybe they can be trained, pruned.
In my case, I found a 100' circle with no overhead wires I could spare and gave a 4' tall one a home in April. Its fast growing and is now over 6' and growing up but not spreading. Now I'm trying to figure out how to protect it if I get a freeze this winter. If I can keep it alive I'll start planning for what I'm going to plant underneath and forget about mowing problems.